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Zaya Wade looked more beautiful and confident than ever at the Moana 2 premiere on Monday night. The teenager has experienced more in her 17 years of life than many have in their whole lives. As she walked the red carpet, Wade served as an inspiration for teens struggling with their identities. See her gorgeous premiere look and learn more about the budding model here.

Wearing complimentary white, green, black, and pink tuxedos, Dwyane Wade, Zaya Wade, and Gabrielle Union pose on the red carpet in 2020
Dwyane Wade, Zaya Wade, and Gabrielle Union at the 2020 Better Brothers LA Truth Awards | Andrew Toth/Getty Images

Zaya Wade’s name may sound familiar. The oldest daughter of NBA superstar Dwyane Wade is part of a blended family. Zaya’s father and stepmother, also famous Gabrielle Union, play a big role in her upbringing. Born on May 29, 2007, as Zion Malachi Airamis Wade, Zaya has three siblings. Zaire, 22, is her older brother. They share a mother, Dwyane’s ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches. Zaya and Zaire have two half-siblings, Kaavia, 6, and Xavier, 11, whom Dwyane shares with Union.

NBA player Dwyane Wade poses with his then-wife Siohvaughn on the red carpet in 2006; Zaya Wade walks the runway for Miu Miu in 2023
Dwyane Wade and his wife Siohvaughn at the 2006 ESPY Awards; Zaya Wade walks the runway during the Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2023-24 fashion show | Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

At 12, Zaya told her parents she was a trans girl, beginning her gender transition after her family expressed support. Dwyane even told GMA that she’d known her true gender identity since age 3. In 2020, Zaya came out as transgender more publicly. She shared her journey with the media as her parents expressed their desire to show her unconditional love and understanding.

The Wade family, including Zaire, Dwyane, Kaavia, Gabrielle, and Zaya, pose on the red carpet
Dahveon Morris, Zaire Wade, Dwyane Wade, Kaavia Wade, Gabrielle Union, and Zaya Wade on October 25, 2024 | Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for 4WRD

In addition to her family’s support, Zaya’s confidence and self-awareness have led her to the modeling world. In 2022, she made waves in the fashion industry by modeling for several brands and eventually signing with United Talent Agency.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union smile with their daughter Zaya Wade on the red carpet at the 2022 Cheaper by the Dozen movie premiere
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union with Zaya Wade at the ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ premiere in 2022 | CHRIS DELMAS/AFP

Her modeling debut included campaigns for big names like Tiffany & Co., which helped establish her presence in the industry. Now, she’s an ambassador for Puma and appeared on the covers of Dazed Magazine and HOMMEGIRLS Magazine.

Wearing a brocade mini dress and coat, Zaya Wade smiles on the red carpet before the Moana 2 premiere
Zaya Wade at the LA premiere of ‘Moana 2’ on November 25, 2024 | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Since growing more comfortable on the runway, Zaya has shown off her unique personal style on the red carpet. At the Moana 2 premiere, she wore the Antoinette metallic brocade coat and mini dress by Staud. The vintage-inspired Californian label created the romantic, longline look that showed off Zaya’s glowing skin. The young model added gold earrings and gold pointed-toe heels.

Wearing a brocade mini dress and coat, Zaya Wade smiles with her little sister Kaavia and Moana on the red carpet before the Moana 2 premiere
Kaavia Union and Zaya Wade with Moana at the ‘Moana 2’ premiere at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theater | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
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Zaya’s distinctive style and poise have made her a popular figure among young audiences and LGBTQ+ advocates. Her story has helped normalize discussions about gender identity, especially for transgender youth. Her family’s willingness to embrace her publicly has inspired many and opened up conversations around what it means to be supportive parents of LGBTQ+ children.

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